I was told it was a four hour cut off. Also told royalties are paid the second a song plays, ie, song starts, you skip it, royalties still paid. Thats why they limit you on the ability to skip songs! So the artist gets half a penny or less when I hear them for 2 seconds. (or whatever ridiculously low fee it is). But I dont have a lot of sympathy for anyone making millions already. :) Not saying they dont "deserve" it, just no sympathy.